The term “African drum” is a broad and inclusive category, encompassing a wide range of instruments that vary greatly in shape, size, material, and playing technique. These drums are not only instruments of music but also carriers of cultural identity, spiritual practices, and social interactions. As such, they have developed in diverse ways across the vast continent of Africa, reflecting the unique histories, traditions, and environments of the various regions.
Common Names and Types of African Drums
1. Djembe (or Djembe Drum)
One of the most well-known and widely recognized African drums is the Djembe. This drum is native to West Africa, particularly associated with the Mande culture. The Djembe is characterized by its goblet-like shape, with a narrow neck and wide base, covered with a stretched animal skin (typically goat or cowhide). The body of the drum is often carved with intricate designs and adorned with colorful decorations, reflecting the artistic traditions of its makers.
The Djembe’s name is derived from the Bambara language of Mali, where it translates roughly to “gathering drum” or “community drum.” This name reflects the drum’s role in bringing people together for communal activities, such as ceremonies, dances, and social gatherings. The Djembe’s deep, resonant sound is produced by striking the drumhead with bare hands, fingers, or sticks, allowing for a wide range of rhythmic and melodic expressions.
2. Bougarabou (or Bougarabou Drum)
The Bougarabou is another significant drum in West African music, particularly in countries like Guinea and Mali. Similar in appearance to the Djembe, the Bougarabou is distinguished by its larger size and deeper tone. The drumhead is typically made from cowhide, stretched over a hollowed-out wooden body that is often carved and adorned with intricate designs.
The Bougarabou’s name is derived from the Fulbe language, meaning “big drum” or “great sound.” This drum is used in a variety of contexts, including religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and dance performances. Its deep, resonant sound is produced by striking the drumhead with sticks or bare hands, creating a rich, bass-heavy soundscape that is foundational to many West African musical ensembles.
3. Bass Drum (or African Bass Drum)
The Bass Drum, also known as the African Bass or Bongo Bass, is a large, double-headed drum that is common in Central and Southern Africa. This drum is characterized by its cylindrical shape and two drumheads, each made from stretched animal skin. The bodies of these drums are often made from hollowed-out logs or carved wooden shells, adorned with colorful decorations and intricate designs.
The Bass Drum’s name reflects its primary role in providing the low-frequency, rhythmic backbone of many African musical styles. The drumheads are struck with sticks or bare hands, producing a deep, resonant sound that is essential for maintaining the rhythmic foundation of dance and ceremonial performances.
4. Kpanlogo (or Kpanlogo Drum)
The Kpanlogo is a unique drum ensemble from Ghana, consisting of a series of tuned, vertical drums arranged in a row. These drums are made from hollowed-out logs, each tuned to a specific pitch by adjusting the tension of the drumheads. The Kpanlogo ensemble typically includes several drums of different sizes and pitches, allowing for a wide range of melodic and rhythmic expressions.
The Kpanlogo’s name is derived from the Akan language of Ghana, meaning “to make a loud noise” or “to sound loudly.” This drum ensemble is used in traditional ceremonies, dances, and festivals, creating a loud, vibrant soundscape that is instantly recognizable as Ghanaian. The Kpanlogo’s distinctive sound is produced by striking the drumheads with sticks or bare hands, often in complex rhythmic patterns that are synchronized with dance and song.
5. Talking Drum (or African Goblet Drum)
The Talking Drum, also known as the African Goblet Drum, is a double-headed drum with a distinctive hourglass shape. This drum is native to West Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria and Benin. The drumheads are made from stretched animal skin, and the body is often carved and adorned with intricate designs.
The Talking Drum’s name reflects its unique ability to produce a wide range of pitches and tones by adjusting the tension of the drumheads. This allows the drummer to “speak” or “sing” melodies and rhythms on the drum, creating a vocal-like sound that is both expressive and versatile. The Talking Drum is used in a variety of contexts, including storytelling, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings. Its distinctive sound is produced by striking the drumheads with sticks or bare hands, often in combination with vocalizations and other instruments.
Cultural Significance and Uses of African Drums
The role of African drums in cultural expression is profound and multifaceted. These instruments are not merely tools for making music; they are integral to the social, spiritual, and communal fabric of African societies. From religious ceremonies to social gatherings, from dance performances to storytelling, African drums serve as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting individuals and communities to their ancestral heritage and cultural identity.
1. Religious and Ceremonial Uses
In many African cultures, drums play a crucial role in religious and ceremonial contexts. They are used to summon spirits, communicate with ancestors, and mark significant life events such as births, marriages, and deaths. The rhythmic patterns and melodic contours of the drums often encode specific messages and meanings, serving as a form of communication between the living and the spiritual realm.
2. Social and Communal Functions
African drums are also central to social and communal activities. They bring people together for dances, festivals, and other communal celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity. The rhythmic patterns and melodies of the drums often reflect the cultural values and social norms of the community, serving as a means of transmitting cultural knowledge and maintaining social cohesion.
3. Expressive and Creative Artistry
Beyond their functional roles, African drums are also highly valued as expressive and creative art forms. Drummers often develop their own unique styles and techniques, incorporating personal flourishes and improvisations into their performances. The intricate designs and decorations on the drums themselves reflect the artistic traditions and aesthetic values of their makers, serving as a visual representation of their cultural heritage.
The Impact of African Drums on Global Music
The influence of African drums extends far beyond the borders of the continent. Through migration, trade, and cultural exchange, these instruments have spread to various regions of the world, becoming integral to a wide range of musical styles and traditions. From Latin American rhythms to Caribbean steel pans, from American blues and jazz to European classical music, the rhythmic and melodic elements of African drums can be heard in countless forms of global music.
The unique sound and expressive capabilities of African drums have made them a favorite among musicians and audiences worldwide. Many contemporary artists have incorporated African drumming techniques and styles into their own music, creating innovative and hybrid forms that blur the boundaries between traditional and modern, global and local.
Conclusion
The African drum is a diverse and multifaceted instrument with a rich history and cultural significance. From its many names and types to its various roles in cultural expression, the drum stands as a testament to the creativity, resilience, and unity of African societies. Whether used in religious ceremonies, social gatherings, or expressive artistry, the African drum continues to resonate with power and meaning, connecting individuals and communities to their ancestral heritage and cultural identity.
